Twincast / Podcast Episode #61 "New Soundwave"

We're back with the latest Seibertron.comTwincast episode, where host Counterpunch, along with Razorclaw0000, Jon 3.0, and special guest joevill discuss the massive flood of new release news and products in the last few weeks.

As always, the episode is available directly and in our RSS Feed and should appear on iTunes in 24 to 48 hours.

It seemed there was a concerted effort to be positive about things in this episode, I'm guessing because of all the negative talk about Has/Tak that's been voiced by some of us (myself included lately). It was good to hear about the positive highlights of what they've been doing right lately (pretty much all of which I agreed on).

Regarding Has/Tak vs 3rd parties and MPs being the answer to that, I completely agree. I was losing hope that Has/Tak would do anything to even attempt to keep up with them and then MP-10 came like a savior from the sky...err...Japan to save the day. The new MP line are the best Transformers created to date in my opinion.

If every other line that exists goes to crap, I'll still be buying official product as long as they continue to do MPs the way they are. I've only seen one 3rd party toy even come close to what they're doing with those things (Genesis) and it's damn expensive, and isn't even as complex as the MPs (a certain degree of complexity being something I enjoy about the MP line as transforming them is actually an enjoyable experience).

For imports (Takara) vs Hasbro, you guys I'm sure are aware that I'm one of the most vocal on that front and I don't wait for US releases of MPs, nor do I skip Takara's versions of Generations/Classics/whatever or TF:Prime (though I usually get both just so I can compare them and use the lesser one for whatever mode I like least or just use it for a custom). That's changing now though, and it's Takara all the way unless it's a Hasbro exclusive.

Anyway, with all the negativity floating around (again, including from myself), it was nice to hear the Twincast crew throw down some positive notes, it really lifted my spirits about collecting of late. This franchise has survived the likes of lines like Action Masters (non-transforming 'Transformers') and Beast Machines (worst toys ever, for the most part) and it will survive this. Quality/bang-for-your-buck seems to fluctuate in cycles just like economics and life itself, it's full of ups and downs. We've just been on a downswing lately, but I'm sure Has/Tak will snap out of it soon enough and we'll be back to getting more figures without anything to gripe about.

@xyl360 (a certain degree of complexity being something I enjoy about the MP line as transforming them is actually an enjoyable experience).

I'm listening to the new episode now but I agree with you there. I only have US Hasbro MPs but I do enjoy the complexity of them.

I've actually been listing to the last couple of months worth the past few days and I noticed that they often are referencing web pages and referring to links they've sent each other. I was just thinking it would be cool if they shared those links in the OP so you could follow along with them. It would almost like being right there with them.

I do enjoy the show. I hope they're able to keep doing it. It seems they've been pretty busy with their personal lives with no signs of slowing down. Good for you guy's. Busy is a good thing.

@KibbleI think that's just an Asian PR thing. There are so many people over there they just give them away with any $20 purchase. I got WST Thrust in the mail last week and it came with Short Round. "Here's your Transformer, I live here now." I guess I should have read the fine print.

Well, after all the positive talk you guys gave, I might go out and get Voyager BH Prime... Counterpunched again... Last time that happened I picked up Alternity Backstop. Anyway, great episode again, guys... Always great to listen to, even if I did have to stagger my listening between the bus ride to work, my break, and the bus ride back... fortunately for me, you guys are pretty easy to follow and pick up where I left off.

Nice. So yeah Code IS pretty amazing. I love him. He pretty much embodies what I think Classics should be doing. Do things simply, cleanly and without adding unnecessary ugly elements through overcomplication. The designer seems to get it. I can not wait to get more. Headmasters have always intrigued me.